Current Project

Hands are better. Time to finish this Rowan Kid Silk triangular scarf. I'm using a US #9 circular needle

Hands are feeling better

It's been over a month and it's time to finish the Rowan Kid Silk scarf.

Is it spring yet?

My hands are sore. I went on a knitting spree for the holidays. Everyone said they loved their presents but what else could they say?

I need several more days before I can finish a Rowan kid silk triangular scarf. This is a perfect time to be knitting but I don't dare - I just have to be patient.

Is it spring yet?

Weavers

I joined the NH Weaver's Guild a couple of years ago; I have missed every meeting since I joined. We now have a new name for our newsletter: NH Threads.

Fast and Easy

When Adrienne Vittadini Maria yarn, merino with Lycra, was discontinued and available at a reduced wholesale price, I bought several bags. Approximately 40 50gm balls remain in my inventory.


I used only one 50 gram ball for the wrist warmers shown in brown. They are wonderfully light weight and stretch to fit your hand comfortably.
Available colors:
                           Forest Green
                           Midnight Blue
                           Brown  

To order yarn, email me at yarnwinder@hotmail.com

Instructions for Medium-Small Wrist Warmers

Materials:  1 ball, 50 grams, of Adrienne Vittadini Maria Yarn

                    US #6 double point needles

Gauge:        23 sts and 32 rows = 4” in St st using #10.5

With one #6 dpn, cast on 40 stitches.  Distribute the 40 sts onto 3 needles (onto 4 needles if you’re using a set of 5 needles), place a marker to indicate the beginning and end of rounds knitted. Join for circular knitting.

All rounds:  [k2, p2] repeat for each round. 

Continue to work the k2p2 ribbing until the tube measures 6-8”. 

Thumb opening:

At the desired length and at the end of a round, turn the work for flat knitting. 

All rows:  [k2, p2] across each row

Continue flat knitting for 1.25” then rejoin for circular knitting. Continue in k2p2 rib for another 1.75”.  Bind off loosely. Knit the second wrist warmer.  Weave in ends and with a short piece of yarn and a tapestry needle reinforce the base of the thumb opening.

YARNWINDER PUBLICATIONS   © 2013

Foolish Virgin Rowan Knitting Kit

Yesterday on my Facebook page I saw a post from America's Knitting with a link to Ravelry which I followed.  Pictured was Kaffe's Leaf Coat - it brought back memories . . .  

As an x-Rowan Stockist, I assembled yarns for many of Kaffe's projects.  Over the years I stock-piled discontinued Rowan yarns used in Glorious Knits, Family Album, Kaffe's Classics, and Rowan Knitting Magazines, always with the thought that someday I would have the time, the yarn, and the inspiration to be creative.

After seeing Kaffe, during a book signing, and wearing his Foolish Virgin sweater, I had to buy the kit.  And guess what, I still have the kit in its original box - pristine, can only describe it.  After all these years I'm ready to give it up.  Original suggested retail price was $243.  Now available for $125.

Links:    http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lahodges/long-leaf-coat
                         www.facebook.com/pages/The-Yarnwinder/181206571957067

Old and New Patterns

As a store owner I have frequently been approached to buy old publications from customers dealing with the closing of a knitter’s estate. On most occasions the goodies were simply given to me to do with as I pleased.  Of course I still have most of what was given to me in my possession.  Since I closed my store/studio and on several occasions, I have tried to weed out magazines I know I will never read or use for design inspiration. 

Today I reviewed a Fall-Winter 1962 and Spring-Summer 1963 Vogue. With the exception of photography, styling, poses and fifty years, nothing has changed.  The garments have a very contemporary appeal, especially for corporate professionals; but what has changed are construction techniques. 

For example this cape from the 1965  Reynolds Knitting Patterns Vol 41 is knitted in pieces (Back, 2 Left Front Panels, and 2 Right Front Panels, 2 Pockets).  The finishing is as follows:  Block pieces to measurements.  Cut lining to correspond with each piece, allow 1” for seams and 2” for darts at each shoulder.  Sew side and shoulder seams . . .

It continues with sewing instructions that we just don’t see in today's knitting magazines. I have to admit the garments from these old publications, have an attractive tailored quality.

This pattern, minus the lining, could very easily be adapted to circular construction.